UCLA's Jake Brendel named to Rimington Trophy watchlist

UCLA offensive lineman Jake Brendel was the named to the Rimington Trophy watchlist on Wednesday, presented annually to college football’s top center.

The Plano, Texas native has started 39 of the last 40 games for the Bruins. A redshirt senior, Brendel is the heart of the UCLA offensive line that paved the way for the Pac-12's leading rusher, Paul Perkins, last year.

Brendel, 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, was selected second-team All-Pac-12 Conference and a first-team academic all-conference pick in 2014. He was a co-captain on the team last year.

He is one of 17 returning centers that have previously been included on the watchlist, including 2014 finalist Jack Allen of Michigan State. This is the second year in a row Brendel has been on the Rimington Trophy watchlist.

Eight Pac-12 players are on the 63-player Rimington watchlist.

No UCLA player has won the award.

UCLA football opens its season Sept 5. at the Rose Bowl against Virginia.